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Friday, October 28, 2016

Upper Goose Lake, Grant County, Washington

Upper Goose Lake(130.4 acres, Elevation 865 ft)Upper Goose Lake is the third largest lake within the Sheep Lakes, Columbia National Wildlife Refuge area (Warden Lake is the largest), actually this lake is in what the call the Sheep Lake Habitat Management Area. It's a beautiful lake with a depth of 80', averaging 15-20' deep. Fishing and waterfowl viewing is popular on this lake. Because this lake is not within the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge boundaries swimming is allowed. No jet skis allowed. For kayakers and canoeist that have an adventurous side one can boat from this lake into Lower Goose Lake via portaging over the small earth dam on the southwest end of the lake. When at the dam go to the west end of the dam then carry your kayak west along the dirt trail (not much of a trail) then southwest along to a creek. This creek's water actually comes from the farm land above and then runs into Lower Goose Lake. Walk along the creek until it widens and the current slows, and then launch and paddle into Lower Goose Lake. When you have entered the main body of the lake there is a boat launch on the west side. And easier way to get to Lower Goose Lake is to drive to the launch area on that lake. Note that the lower gate to this lake is locked from May-September sometimes to discourage illegal activity such as dumping of garbage, vandalism, etc. So access when the lake is locked is walk-in Only. Fishing: Rainbow Trout; Walleye; Large & Small Mouth Bass; Perch; Bluegill; Crappie. Directions: From Moses Lake take HWY 17 south toward Othello; turn right (west) on HWY 262/O'Sullivan Dam Road. After crossing the dam and short distance down the road passing MarDon Resort turn left/south onto H Road SE. Proceed down H Road SE to the intersection of this road with W. McMannaman Road. Turn left/east onto W. McMannaman Road. Follow this road down the hill, across Crab Creek, to S. Morgan Lake Road. Turn north on S. Morgan Lake Road where it T's, a sign will indicate direction to Upper Goose Lake. Turn left/west to proceed to Upper Goose Lake boat launch. Maps: Printable map below. To view a map click on google.com/maps and type in Upper Goose Lake, Spokane County, WA. Info: Road closed to lake May - September. Walk-in only.

ACCESSIBILITY: PARKING... Gravel, sand, dirt combo parking lot; PATHS/TRAILS... None; RESTROOMS/FACILITIES/SHADE… None. No designated picnic areas or shaded area. No trees; DOCKS/LAUNCHES/PLATFORMS… One wide gravel launch. Note as you drive into this lake before you get to the launch there is another unofficial launch area were one can launch non-motorized craft from; DIRECT WATER ACCESS… No access for wheeled mobility devices. Access water via wide launch when no powerboats are present, assistance likely needed; TRANSFER SYSTEMS... None; SENSORY... No sensory tactile markers for those with visual and other impairments; CAMPING... No; O.T.H.E.R… Oddities/Barriers: Lots of sand and deep mud during wet times of the year along shoreline; Terrain: Level to about 7% grades; H2O/Water: Water normally murky. Water temperature in the summer can be around 60 to 70 degree. Drinking water not available; Environmental Conditions: High winds and hot summer temperatures; Resources: Food, drinks, and gas in town of Othello (Wal-Mart) and at Potholes Reservoir resort area.